Biography: Winnebago County, Wisconsin: William Radford

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Submitted by Kathy Grace, <gendiva@charter.net> December 2004

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History of northern Wisconsin: containing an account of its settlement,
growth, development, and resources, an extensive sketch of its counties,
cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories,
biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers, views
of county seats, etc.
Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1881 p. 1160-1161

William Radford, a native of Needingworth, Huntingdonshire, England, was
born Aug. 31, 1828, and is the son of Richard and Olive Radford, both of
whom were natives of England.  His father was a tavern-keeper, of limited
means, and William was early drilled in work.  From the early age of nine
years until he was sixteen he worked on a farm.  Commencing thus early to
rely on his own exertions, he made an effort in a different directions and
tried railroading, receiving a place as a section boss.  He continued at
this until he was nineteen years old, when he again returned to farming.
In 1852, he emigrated to America and located at West Canada Creek, N.Y.,
where he found employment in a saw-mill.  He removed to Oshkosh, Oct. 1,
1855.  Chase & Libbey's saw-mill then stood on the site the Radford mill
now occupies, and with this firm he found work during the two following
years; was next in the employ of Bray & Choate, and then with Tolman & Co.
until 1870.  In that year he, in company with his brother Stephen, engaged
in business on their own account, under the firm name of S. Radford & Bro. 
Mr. D.L. Libbey was a silent partner and owned a half interest during the
first three years of the firm's existence.  At the end of that time he
retired.  Their saw-mill at first was of very limited capacity; but this
grew rapidly, and the firm worked to the front, until to-day they occupy a
place second to none.  In the winter of 1879 they commenced the erection of
their sash, door and blind factory.  Mr. William Radford was married in
October, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth Robertson, in the county of Huntingdon,
and has nine children.  Mr. R.'s mental characteristics are those of
practical common sense, a clear, discriminating judgment and indomitable
perseverance in the accomplishment of the objects of his pursuits.  His
son, Charles W. Radford, is general superintendent of the sash, door and
blind department, and is a valuable assistant to the firm.  The other
children are Lucy J., Lizzie, Stella, George, Willie, Stephen S., Dolly and
Dick.